The Galway tent - Let us hope this is a signal not a gesture

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen’s decision that Fianna Fáil should no longer use the fabled Galway Races’ tent as a venue for champagne fundraising events ticks all the right boxes.

Though it has as much to do with optics and practicality as anything else, it may set a new tone and the decision is to be heartily welcomed. However, its importance should not be overestimated.

It may also, in public at least, change the Praetorian Guard so close to the centre of Fianna Fáil power and so closely associated with the building sector and the country’s powerful developers.